This letter is in response to Ira Sasowsky's "trashy" letter which appeared in last Thursday's Daily Collegian.

Wake up and smell the garbage, Mr. Sasowsky! Pennsylvania and the whole nation is currently in a trash crisis of tremendous proportions.

Less than 10 years ago Pennsylvania had over 1,000 landfills -- now less than 75 remain open. Disposal costs are skyrocketing and in the future recycling will play a big role in reducing the costs of waste disposal and its related expenses.

As a member of the University Recycling Committee I can attest to the fact that we have a trash crisis right here in Happy Valley. Both landfills that service this area will be closed by next year.

We will have to cope with those problems related to the use of landfills water pollution, excess traffic.

I'm sure you've never been out to the Snow Shoe landfill. It's not a pretty sight or smell. And believe me, no one wants one of those in their backyard. There's no such thing as a "safe landfill."

Your arguments are totally useless in light of the fact that recycling is now the law in Pennsylvania.

Mandatory recycling went into effect here on July 28,1988 when Gov. Casey signed Act 101.

Act 101 states that we have about two years in which to institute recycling of at least 25 percent of Pennsylvania's waste stream.

The thing that bothered me most about your letter was your idea about the "American way of life." Am I to assume that it is "American" to waste scarce resources, throw trash everywhere, and to pollute the air and ground water?

Recycling is not an inconvenience for Americans and it certainly will not effect their way of life substantially. In fact, polls indicate that 83 percent of the public supports recycling over all other methods of waste disposal.

So, Mr. Sasowsky, next time get some facts and open your eyes. You are making assumptions about a plan you know little or nothing about.

As one of the people who worked on the University Recycling Proposal, I could talk forever about the benefits of and reasons for instituting a recycling plan right here at University Park.

Right now the plan is under review at Old Main, so I can't say what its final form will be, but I would be happy to talk to any individuals who have an interest in it.

Call 863-1972 or stop by EcoAction's office in 224 HUB for more information.